Epinephrine, norepinephrine, dobutamine, and dopexamine effects on free flap skin blood flow.

Eley, K; Young, J; Watt-Smith, SR

Journal article

Epinephrine, norepinephrine, dobutamine, and dopexamine effects on free flap skin blood flow.

Abstract:: BACKGROUND: The optimal sympathomimetic drug to support blood pressure without adverse vasoconstriction of free flap circulation remains unknown. This study examined the effects of four agents (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dobutamine, and dopexamine) on free flaps following resection of head and neck cancer. METHODS: Twenty-four patients (25 data sets) were recruited into the study. Each patient received an infusion of the four drugs in a random order, with an intervening washout period between drugs, at four infusion rates. Continuous free flap skin blood flow monitoring was performed using laser Doppler velocimetry, with a second sensor on normal skin acting as a control. Global cardiovascular variables were monitored using the LiDCO Rapid Pulse Contour Analysis System (LiDCO Ltd., Cambridge, United Kingdom). RESULTS: Dose-dependent, increased free flap skin blood flow was observed with norepinephrine and dobutamine. Both dopexamine and epinephrine infusions decreased blood flow. Flap skin blood conductance decreased (vasoconstriction) with norepinephrine, but markedly less than in control tissue, so overall the flap skin blood flow increased with increasing arterial blood pressure. Dobutamine increased flap skin conductance, without significantly increasing blood pressure, and modestly increased flap blood flow. CONCLUSIONS: Both dobutamine and norepinephrine had beneficial effects on flap skin blood flow. The maximal improvement in flow occurred with norepinephrine, making it the optimal pressor to use in patients with hypotension after free flap surgery.

Publication status:: Published

Actions

Email

Email this record

Send the bibliographic details of this record to your email address.

Your Email
Please enter the email address that the record information will be sent to.

-
Your message (optional)
Please add any additional information to be included within the email.
Cite

Cite this record

APA Style

Eley, K., Young, J., & Watt-Smith, S. R. (2012). Epinephrine, norepinephrine, dobutamine, and dopexamine effects on free flap skin blood flow. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 130(3), 564–570.

MLA Style

Eley, K., et al. “Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Dobutamine, and Dopexamine Effects on Free Flap Skin Blood Flow.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, vol. 130, no. 3, 2012, pp. 564–70.

Chicago Style

Eley, K, J Young, and SR Watt-Smith. 2012. “Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Dobutamine, and Dopexamine Effects on Free Flap Skin Blood Flow.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 130 (3): 564–70.
Share
Print